AR SB604

Establishes the Medicaid Reimbursement Adequacy Commission consisting of 5 members: one appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, one by the Speaker of the House, and three by the Governor (with one designated as chair).

Requires the Department of Human Services to establish a schedule for reviewing Medicaid reimbursement methodologies for each healthcare provider type once every three years, with approximately one-third of the Medicaid budget reviewed annually.

Directs the Commission to review existing reimbursement rates, their adequacy to cover healthcare costs, Medicare and other payer rates, and federal equal access requirements, with at least one public hearing held annually for input.

Requires the Commission to submit an annual report by October 31 to the Administrative Rules and Regulations Subcommittee of the Legislative Council with any recommended changes to reimbursement methodologies.

Declares an emergency effective upon Governor approval, finding that current Arkansas Medicaid reimbursement rates lack adequate review and that reforms are needed to encourage healthcare professionals to relocate to the state.